Pipe yard prepped for 300 Line Project

Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company (TGP), a subsidiary of El Paso Corporation, has begun preparing a new pipe yard, referred to as the 321-15 Yard, in support of plans to increase the capacity of its natural gas 300 Line.

According to Robert Newberry, principal media relations for the El Paso Corporation, the yard will be used to stage pipe, equipment and construction crews, specifically for the 321 and 323 Loops within the 300 Line Project. Currently, environmental controls are being established at the site, which is located at the intersection of Route 652 and Bayly Road. Trailers and equipment have begun arriving at the yard and final clean up is estimated around the end of the year, said Newberry.

As specified in project reports on the FERC website, yard preparation has so far included installation of erosion control devices and rock access pads. Progress can be monitored on the FERC website at http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/docket_search.asp (enter docket number CP09-444).

The 300 Line crosses Pike and Wayne counties and involves the installation of seven looping segments in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, totaling approximately 128 miles of 30-inch pipeline, and the addition of approximately 55,000 horsepower (“HP”), following the installation of two new compressor stations and upgrades at seven existing compressor stations, including one in Lackawaxen Township.

According to its approved FERC application, TGP plans to expand the current construction right-of-way to a 100-foot-wide zone in upland areas and a 75-foot-wide right-of-way in wetlands. The permanent right-of-way would typically be 50 feet wide, consisting of 25 feet of existing right-of-way already retained for operation of the 300 Line and 25 feet of new right-of way for the expanded loops. The project will cross several “sensitive waterbodies,” including the Lackawaxen River, Dyberry Creek, Carley Brook, Walker Lake Creek and Twin Lakes Creek. Other activities, such as widening of roads, tree removal and grading, will affect 15.2 acres in Wayne County and 22.6 acres in Pike.

The planned pipeline route will follow the existing corridor wherever possible. Additional information is available at www.elpaso.com/tgp300lineproject/ or by calling 866/683-5587.